Pictured flanking the Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove at Government House is the six-game former Carlton footballer Doug Baird and his wife Kaye.

Sir Peter is proudly sporting his personalised copy of The Commando – The Life and Death of Cameron Baird, VC, MG, penned by Ben McKelvey, with thanks to Doug and Kaye, Cameron’s parents.

On 22 June 2013, Corporal Cameron Baird, a 2nd Commando Regiment Special Forces soldier, led his platoon into a known Taliban stronghold to back-up another Australian unit that was under heavy fire. In the pronged firefight, Corporal Baird was mortally wounded.

Three years ago, Cameron’s bravery and courage under fire saw him posthumously awarded Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross, our country’s highest Military honour, awarded to a person who, in the presence of the enemy, displays the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty. 

Cameron Baird died how he lived – without any indecision, at the front, giving his all.

Doug and Kaye Baird with Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove. (Photo: Supplied)

‘The Commando’ tells of Cameron’s life, from a young boy and aspiring AFL player, to an exemplary soldier and leader. Cameron’s story and that of the 2nd Commando Regiment and 4RAR personifies the courage and character of the men and women who go to war and shows us the good man we have lost.

The Commando was recently launched by the New South Wales Governor David Hurley. Joining Doug at the launch was his old Carlton teammate Robert Walls.

In recounting the Carlton connection, Doug explained that his late son actually turned out for the Blues in a Little League match and later completed work experience at the club.

The Commando is available at all good book stores plus Big W and K Mart.